Yes:
--part of him wants a barcolounger with wheels; the other part is thrilled to be using his body in a more athletic way
--we live in PDX and I got my Jamis at citybikes....we'll head down there today! and to river city
--the Bleriot is LOVELY, but I'm not sure we need to take the set up that far from where we are...because I think
--that steering extension tube is the key...
--probably the larger frame would've been better...but if you look at the stock Bianchi photo, notice the relationship of the seat height to the stem height; it looks very like where his is....which is an odd stock photo for a touring bike, doncha think!
this bike is a wee bit bigger than his hybrid and the geometry is similiar, so I think once we raise the bars, he'll be comfortable and will want to adjust to a more aerodynamic position.
I do believe he wants to be able to use the drop bars...we just have to get them level with the seat, or a little higher.

your observations and suggestions are always helpful..

now i want to go look at the Aurora stock photo and see what they have going in the seat stem relationship department...even on my 47 aurora the stem is quite a few inches longer than on the 58 volpe